Advertise on podcast: Bench Jeweler Memes

Being a bench jeweler in 2026 comes with plenty to talk about—and sometimes you need people who actually understand what happens behind the bench. In Episode 59 of the Bench Jeweler Memes podcast, Dusty and Brad welcome Kevin Anderson, who launched a Discord community just for bench jewelers. We talk about why he created the group, the heart behind it, and the value of connecting with other people who understand this wonderfully weird corner of the jewelry industry. Naturally, staying on one topic was never going to happen. From bench jeweler burnout to life outside the jewelry store, the conversation takes plenty of detours into the funny, frustrating, and relatable parts of making a living in this trade. It’s a little shop talk, a little perspective, and the usual amount of “how did we get on this subject?” Whether you’re a bench jeweler, jewelry store owner, or jewelry repair professional, pull up a chair. You’re among your people. Bench Jeweler Memes: a jewelry industry podcast with real conversations, questionable tangents, and people who get it. JOIN THE DISCORD FOR BENCH JEWELERS: https://discord.gg/Zrj2XfaUuj Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Funny customer stories, frustrated jewelers, and a reminder that some things matter a whole lot more than what’s happening at the bench. In Episode 58 of the Bench Jeweler Memes podcast, Dusty and Brad let off a little steam about life in the jewelry industry. From funny and frustrating customer experiences to comments from fellow jewelers, we’re talking about the moments that make working in a jewelry store equal parts rewarding and ridiculous. If you’re a bench jeweler, handle jewelry repair, or spend your days behind the counter, you’ll probably recognize a few of these situations. But this episode goes deeper than the usual complaining and sarcasm. Our fellow jeweler and friend Travis Piper’s son has been battling cancer, and we take a moment to focus on his family’s experience and a fundraiser supporting Riley’s Children’s Hospital. We also talk about how the whiskey YouTube channel SLB Drinks connects to this effort—and why we want to use the Bench Jeweler Memes platform to help spread the word and give back. We love a good laugh at the chaos of this industry. We also love seeing the jewelry community show up for something bigger. Stick around for this one, and help us bring some attention to a cause that deserves it. Whether you can contribute or simply help spread the word, we appreciate you being part of this community. CHECK THE LONKS BELOW! *NOTE: Every dollar sent to BJM “Buy Me a Coffee” through the end of October will go directly to Riley’s Children’s Hospital! To support Dayton Piper directly: https://gofund.me/dbf5446d2 SLB video talking about this years Riley’s Fundraiser: https://youtu.be/a6RtmI47yPM?is=aDg-STw0kZEWXCDq SLB Cares:  https://slbcares.org Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

How much should a bench jeweler actually get paid—and why is finding and hiring one so difficult? In Episode 57 of the Bench Jeweler Memes podcast, Dusty and Brad welcome back Shawn Pryzeclawski for an honest conversation about bench jeweler salaries, hiring challenges, and the sometimes uncomfortable relationship between jewelry store owners and the people doing the work. Shawn is a third-generation jeweler in Florida who runs a full-service jewelry store with a team of five bench jewelers. He brings experience from both the bench and the business side as we dig into some questions the jewelry industry doesn’t always know how to answer: • What is a skilled bench jeweler really worth? • Why is it so hard to find and hire bench jewelers? • How should pay reflect skill, experience, and the work being done? • How much do jewelry store owners and bench jewelers really need each other? Turns out, “pay them what they’re worth” gets complicated when everyone has a different number in mind. There’s no exact science, and we certainly aren’t handing out a magic payroll formula. But between the laughs and uncomfortable questions, maybe we can help both sides understand each other a little better. Whether you’re a bench jeweler, a jewelry store owner, or trying to build a stronger jewelry repair team, this one gives you plenty to think—and probably argue—about. Want more of Shawn’s story? Check out Episode 20 for his first appearance on this jewelry industry podcast Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

What happens when corporate speak meets the jewelry industry? Brad throws some painfully familiar corporate phrases at Dusty to see how well they translate to life as a bench jeweler. Spoiler: probably not well. Then we dive into a post from Jewelers Helping Jewelers, wander completely off topic as usual, and somehow end up with Dusty secretly rage baiting Brad with some of the internet’s finest loaded questions.  But now we need YOUR help. What truly triggers a jeweler? What customer phrase, repair request, sales-floor comment, or jewelry-store situation immediately sends you off the rails? Send us your stories, phrases and biggest jewelry industry pet peeves. We may use the best ones on an upcoming episode. It’s another completely professional and occasionally helpful episode of the Bench Jeweler Memes Podcast — a weekly jewelry industry podcast for bench jewelers, jewelry store owners, goldsmiths, salespeople and anyone else surviving this wonderfully ridiculous industry. Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 55: Benchies Be Like… Apparently, there are A LOT of things that bother and offend bench jewelers.  This week we bounce around from the things that drive benchies crazy, to getting ready for the holiday season, to the never-ending adventure of bench jeweler job postings. And, as usual, one topic somehow turns into a completely different topic that we absolutely did not plan on talking about. You know how we do. It’s another episode of two bench jewelers talking shop, complaining a little, laughing a lot, and probably offending someone along the way. IMPORTANT: Our Bench Jeweler Memes T-shirt pre-order ends September 30th! If you want one, don’t sleep on it! https://bench-jeweler-media.myshopify.com/products/official-bjm-logo-tee-black-short-sleeve Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 54 — Nobody Said Selling Natural Diamonds Was Easy… We’ve never sounded this grumpy.  This week, we’re diving into the frustration of selling natural diamonds when wholesalers are listing diamonds on retail websites at prices that can make your customers wonder why they should buy from you. There’s a LOT of nuance here. We agree, we disagree, we get combative—and you can hear the frustration throughout the entire episode.  We want to hear from real jewelers: What are you seeing? How are you handling it? And are we completely nuts? PLUS: Bench Jeweler Memes T-shirts are officially available for PRE-ORDER!  Come for the jewelry industry rant. Stay for the merch. https://bench-jeweler-media.myshopify.com/products/official-bjm-logo-tee-black-short-sleeve Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

EPISODE 53 — We’re Doing Our Best, People.  It’s Episode 53, and yeah… it’s a little shorter than usual. But listen, it was a LONG holiday weekend, the repair pile got a little out of control, and we’re just out here doing our best, people.  This week, we asked YOU guys to send us your opinions, stories, questions, and whatever else you felt like throwing our way. So we “quickly” run through some of your submissions and, naturally, have a few things to say about them. BUT… the real highlight of this episode? THE NEW SHIRTS ARE COMING.  Our brand-new Bench Jeweler Memes shirts are getting ready to go up for PRE-ORDER, and we’re pretty dang excited about them. *STAY TUNED* And because apparently making shirts wasn’t enough work, we also decided to take time out of our already incredibly busy schedules to have the most epically stupid photoshoot imaginable. That’s right. A professional photographer (aka Dusty’s sister) came by to make us look our absolute best. And we did OUR absolute best to ruin it. Think awkward poses. Questionable styling. Jewelry-store nonsense. Way too much confidence. And the kind of cheesy photoshoot energy that would make a 1990s JCPenney photographer proud. So sit back, enjoy a slightly shorter episode, hear what your fellow jewelers had to say, and get ready for some VERY questionable shirt promo photos. Episode 53 is here. We’re tired. We’re behind. We’re making shirts. And somehow… we’re still doing this. PRE-ORDER A SHIRT? Official BJM Logo Tee | Bench Jeweler Memes – Bench Jeweler Media Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 52 — Does AI Really Understand the Jewelry Industry??? This week, it’s just Brad and Dusty — and we decided to put AI to the test. We throw all kinds of real-life jewelry industry questions, repair situations, customer scenarios, and bench jeweler problems at AI to see what it gets right… and where it completely misses the mark. Sometimes AI absolutely nails it. Other times… well… let’s just say it clearly hasn’t spent much time behind a jewelry bench.  We debate the answers, challenge the logic, share our own experiences, and have a whole lot of fun watching artificial intelligence try to navigate the wonderfully weird world of jewelry. So what do you think? Does AI truly understand the jewelry industry??? Or are we still a long way from replacing the jeweler behind the bench? Hit play and judge for yourself! Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 51 — ONE YEAR OF THIS NONSENSE! ONE. WHOLE. YEAR. Brad & Dusty have officially survived ONE YEAR of weekly podcasting—52 weeks of rambling, complaining, laughing, arguing, oversharing, and somehow convincing people to keep listening. And honestly… THANK YOU!  To everyone who has listened, shared an episode, left a comment, sent us a story, roasted us, defended us, or quietly listened while wondering “Why the hell am I still listening to these two?” — we appreciate you! For Episode 51, we take a little time to reflect on the last year. We talk about the good, the bad, the ridiculous, and everything in between. No tears were shed during the making of this episode… Unless you count the tears from laughing so dang hard.  We also dig into a couple of hilarious jeweler stories that perfectly demonstrate why this industry is basically one giant episode of “You Can’t Make This Up.” AND THEN…  A BRAND NEW SEGMENT HAS ENTERED THE CHAT. We’re introducing THE FAST RENDER with our good buddy Jake ! It’s fast. Sike. It’s so wordy… It’s ridiculously accurate. It’s epic. And somehow… it’s going to make you feel some type of way. Can't wait to hear your feedback. So crank it up, grab your coffee, bourbon, polishing cloth, torch, or whatever you’re working on and with... Happy One Year to the Bench Jeweler Memes Podcast! Thanks for hanging out with us for 51 episodes. Here’s to another year of bad ideas, questionable opinions, jeweler stories, and Brad & Dusty talking way longer than they probably should. ENJOY! If you'd like to reach Phill Webb about the products we talked about on this episode: find him on all the Facebook Laser groups, email: [email protected], (228) 342-0687 Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 50!  And we’re celebrating the big 5-0 with one hell of a conversation. Brad and Dusty sit down with the one and only Scott Lancaster, founder of Emerton Scott, and unapologetic watch enthusiast. This might be one of the longest conversations we’ve ever had—and for good reason. Scott is a rising star in the world of independent and “micro-brand” watches, and he brings a refreshingly brutally honest perspective to the luxury watch industry. We talk luxury brands, the good, the bad, the ridiculous, and what it’s really like building a watch brand from the ground up. And when it comes to Emerton Scott, Scott is just as passionate as he is honest. We get into his vision, his obsession with watches, and what he hopes to build in a world already packed with established names. Informative? Absolutely. Passionate? 100%. A little bit of bull and Bench Jeweler Memes nonsense? You already know. Join us for Episode 50 and one of our favorite conversations yet with one of the best watch guys on social media!  Bench Jeweler Memes Podcast — Episode 50 Featuring Scott Lancaster of Emerton Scott!  Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 49 — Part Time Girl Ari Completes Her First Year in the Jewelry Industry! We finally convinced Part Time Girl Ari to join us on the podcast!  After surviving her first full year in the jewelry industry, Ari sits down with Dusty and Brad to talk about what it’s really like working with these two idiots, what she’s learned along the way, and how her first year in a jewelry store has gone. We talk about the highs, the lows, the things nobody tells you when you first get into jewelry… and, of course, what it’s like dealing with Dusty and Brad on a regular basis. And then things take a turn when we find out Dusty has made Ari cry… TWICE. Was it deserved? Probably not. Does Dusty feel bad about it? …You’ll have to listen to find out. It’s a little shop talk, a little first-year reflection, a little workplace therapy session, and a LOT of Ari questioning why she agreed to come on this podcast in the first place. Thanks for listening, subscribing, sharing, and continuing to support Bench Jeweler Memes! Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Well… this episode accidentally answers its own question. Before we even get to the topic, we spend a completely reasonable amount of time talking about why our podcast equipment is slowly plotting against us. The technical difficulties have officially become the unofficial third host, and at this point we’re convinced they’re just here for the ride. Thanks for sticking with us—we promise we’re trying to upgrade before the gear wins. Eventually (and we do mean eventually) we get to the real discussion… Do jewelers talk too much? Are we so busy explaining every detail of a repair, custom job, or engagement ring that customers mentally check out halfway through? Can over-explaining actually cost us sales or make us sound less confident? Or is educating customers worth the extra conversation? We share stories from behind the bench, throw around a few opinions, interrupt each other more than we’d like to admit (the irony isn’t lost on us), and somehow manage to prove our own point in real time. So… do jewelers talk too much? We’ll stop talking now. Your turn. Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 47: Brad and Dusty are joined by a stalker… allegedly.  Longtime listener and Bench Jeweler Memes follower Emily somehow cracked the code, uncovered our secret identities, tracked down our location, and actually showed up. So naturally… we turned on the cameras, shined an interrogation light directly in her face, handed her a microphone, and hit record. Emily shares how she found her way into the jewelry industry, what she’s learned working at two very different jewelry stores, and where she hopes her career goes next. Along the way, we interrupt her every chance we get with the usual Bench Jeweler Memes nonsense, unnecessary detours, and just enough shop talk to make this sound like a professional podcast. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like starting out in this industry—or just enjoy listening to Brad and Dusty derail perfectly good conversations—this one’s for you. As always… thanks for listening, and remember: if you know where we live, at least bring bring! Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

Episode 46: Guest Adam from Gesswein & SISMA! If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good laser welder from a great one… you’re about to find out. This week, Brad & Dusty sit down with Adam Kasson from Gesswein & SISMA, one of the most knowledgeable people you’ll ever meet when it comes to laser welding technology. We dive into the evolution of jewelry lasers, where the technology is headed, and why Gesswein & SISMA continue to push the industry forward. Now… did our remote interview go flawlessly? Absolutely not.  We battled enough technical issues to make us question our entire existence, but once we got everything sorted out, the conversation was well worth the struggle. Whether you’re already welding with a laser or just laser-curious, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of bench jeweler rabbit trails. Huge thanks to Adam for hanging in there through the technical chaos—and for sharing his incredible knowledge with all of us. Enjoy Episode 46! Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes

We asked for your controversial opinions and your wild store scenarios… and apparently some of you woke up and chose chaos. So this week is exactly what the title says: a complete mosh pit of jeweler topics. We bounce from one rabbit hole to the next, arguing, laughing, overthinking, and occasionally stumbling onto something that’s actually useful. We tackle controversial opinions, work through real-life jewelry store scenarios, and somehow manage to make sense of at least a few of them. Is there a clear theme? Absolutely not. Is it organized? Also no. Is it entertaining? We sure hope so. Grab your torch, put in your mouth guard, and jump into the pit with us. As always, take what helps, ignore what doesn’t, and don’t blame us if your next shop debate gets a little louder.  Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @benchjewelermemes // Want to support the page & podcast? https://buymeacoffee.com/benchjewelermemes